Have you ever sat in an uncomfortable chair? Sure, we’ve been there. Let’s not forget those Office Chairs in Singapore, which we often overlook. You know the ones, that support you through long Zoom calls and marathon e-mail sessions.
First of all, let’s set the record straight. All office chairs are not created equal. Others are like old-fashioned bicycles. Even the basic models come with their own charms.
Take a classic swivel. The Swiss Army Knife for seating. Need to grab that file across your desktop? Swivel! Want to spin when you hear gossip about your colleagues? Swivel! They don’t have massagers or heated seats, but they are still very comfortable.
Also, there is the issue of lumbar or lack thereof. A good seat will hug your lower back and cradle it like a baby Kangaroo in his mother’s pouch. There are some basic chairs. The chairs are so uncomfortable that you will feel like you have been sitting for hours on end at an old-fashioned typewriter. If you find yourself stuck with one, invest in an extra cushion or backrest. Your spine is going to thank you.
Another feature that is hit or miss are armrests. Noticed how some armrests were positioned to perfectly fit T. Rex arms? Other seats seem to have been designed for NBA athletes with wingspan that is longer than the average sedan. It’s important to have armrests that can be adjusted if you don’t wish to feel like Goldilocks seated in Papa Bears chair.
Now let’s get into the material. Mesh allows for air circulation and is a great option during the summer months, when you may find your office to be more like an ice-cold sauna. Leather looks stylish but can make your skin stickier than an ice cream cone on a very hot day. Fabric may be soft, but it can stain much faster than “coffee.”
Cleaning these chairs is quite an adventure. Ink on fabric is a challenge. It is frustrating to try and remove permanent marker by spitting. For leather, you can usually wipe it clean unless the spill is truly disastrous.
What about wheels then? What about wheels? Cheap plastic ones can make you swerve around or worse, become stuck on every little spot on your floor. Quality casters move silently, smoothly, and quietly. They’re the unsung stars of mobility.
The height-adjustment feature is an important one that’s often forgotten until you start craning the neck up, or slumping to such a low level you might think you were auditioning as The Hunchback of Notre-Dame Office Edition.
It’s time to talk about aesthetics. Yes, chairs can be beautiful! A sleek design will make any cubicle look chic and up-to-date. Unsightly office chairs are a turn-off and can ruin the vibe of an entire workspace faster than you could say “office redesign.”
Why do you think we are willing to put up with poor seating? Sometime it is due to budget limitations, other times it could be because of ignorance as to what makes a great chair. Spending some time, and maybe even money, to find one which suits your requirements better than Cinderella’s shoe fits her foot is worth it.
In conclusion, basic office chairs might not be high-tech and glamorous but they are an important part of our daily routine. They literally support us through the thick and thin of workdays.
If you ever find yourself sitting at your office desk wondering why it feels as if your back was twisted into balloon animals shapes by a zealous clown during a children’s birthday party, then take note of the humble chair beneath you. Give it some well deserved thought.